The X Factor – boot camp part 1

The auditions are over, and now it’s time to get serious as The X Factor reaches its boot camp stage. And for some, including Ella Henderson, things went smoothly – but it wasn’t without its drama

2/18

The hopefuls kicked off their boot camp session in Liverpool with a visit from JLS, who offered some words of encouragement – although it didn’t stop a swathe of hopefuls from being sent home without even singing

3/18

Among those hoping to make it to the next stage were flamboyant singer Nicola Marie

4/18

Early favourite Jahmene Douglas was also hoping to make a good showing – but he delivered a disappointing performance, nonetheless making it through the first day

5/18

Jade Ellis wowed the judges at audition stage and was hoping for a similar boot camp result

6/18

There was bad news for Collagen Westwood, whose plan to calm her nerves with whisky backfired when she was sent packing

7/18

Deirdre Lawlor, who performed with her, also failed to make it through

8/18

However there was better news for James Arthur, who made a big impression at auditions

9/18

And Melanie McCabe also fared well during the notoriously difficult stage of the contest

10/18

Mitsotu were one of the groups who took to the stage at the Echo Arena

11/18

There was trouble for Lucy Spraggan when she had to sing Moves Like Jagger without her beloved guitar – but she made it through in spite of her ‘awkward’ performance

12/18

Poisonous Twin – featuring ex-Big Brother housemate Stephanie McMichael – were also among those groups hoping to do well

13/18

Adam Burridge has been tipped to do well in the boys’ category

14/18

He found himself teamed with Jake Quickenden and Robbie Hance for a joint performance

15/18

However the boys weren’t helped when Robbie decided to take an extended nap, later getting the boot from the contest when he forgot his words

16/18

Gathan Cheema had a rocky ride after being paired with Rylan Clark to perform Aretha Franklin’s Respect

17/18

However Rylan, Gathan and fellow singer Ottavio Columbra all made it through to the next stage

18/18

And Carolynne Poole was one of the many over 28’s who sailed through the challenging stage. Sunday night’s show will reveal the final 24…